Since the dawn of time (or at least since there have been dentists), dentists have relied on checking people’s smiles for tooth decay by using a sharp pointed instrument to check the biting surface of the tooth. Unfortunately, this method of checking the biting surface can be very frustrating because when the pointed instrument “sticks”, the decay has probably been on the tooth for a long time and is larger than it should have been.

When the decay has been present on the tooth structure for a long time and there is more decay, more of the tooth has to be removed to prevent spread of the decay. The use of x-ray machines to find decay between the teeth helps, but minimizing the growth of decay is the goal of every dentist.

Technological advances have created new tools that assist the dentist in diagnosing and stopping decay. One new such tool in the dentist’s arsenal is the Diagnodent.

The Diagnodent is an award winning tool that detects decay much earlier than the “poke & stick” method. It is a laser that checks the density of the teeth below the grooves. This tool allows the dentist to place much smaller fillings which leaves more of the natural tooth. Smaller fillings last much longer than larger fillings and having your own tooth structure is far better than having a mouth full of fillings.

Another advance in dentistry is the “Biolase MD” Laser. This laser gives dentists a tool that they can use to create fillings without novocaine & drills. It also allows the removal of old leaky silver fillings without anesthetic and can help eliminate gum disease without surgery.

These are but two tools that modern technology has given dentists to help promote and maintain the health of people’s smiles. The ability to be able to correct tooth problems without pain makes the dentist’s job much easier and the patient’s experience more pleasant. Many people avoid going to the dentist because of past unpleasant experiences. These technological advances should help people visit their dentist more regularly and therefore help stop the spread of decay or prevent other dental complications.